Dr. Souheil Kaddaj, Kingston University, London, UK

       Prof. Y.S. Rajan, Principal Advisor to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Dr Geetha Abeysinghe, Middlesex University, London, UK

V K Mathews, Chairman & CEO, The IBS Group, Kerala, India

More speakers coming soon.........
Keynote Lecture 1: Evolving Enterprise Distribution Models using e-Business Platforms

Brief Bio: V. K Mathews, founded International Business Services Group (IBS) in 1997. Today IBS is a leading global provider of new-generation IT products and services to the Travel, Transportation and Logistics industries. A specialist in the domain, IBS offers a range of products and services that manage mission-critical operations of major airlines, airports, oil and gas companies, seaports, travel, tour and hospitality technology companies, cruise lines and tour operators world-wide. Some of the world’s leading corporations using IBS’ solutions are Emirates, Cathay Pacific, South African Airways, Air New Zealand, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways, ANA, NCA, Vail Resorts Inc., BAA (London’s Heathrow & Gatwick airports), Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Star Cruises, Orbitz LLC, LeisureLink, e-bookers. SEI CMMI Level 5 and PCMM Level 5 assessed, ISO 9001:2000 and TickIT certified, IBS operates three software development centers in India (Bangalore, Cochin & Trivandrum) and four overseas (Alexandria, Atlanta, Boston and London). Mathews is an advisor to the Kerala State Government in the areas of Information Technology, Industry, Management and Education. He is a member of the State’s IT Advisory Board, Higher Education Council, Planning Board of Kerala and on the Board of several colleges and universities.In 2002, Mathews received the IT Kerala Award for Enterprise Excellence and the State IT Man of the Year award in 2003.

Keynote Lecture 2: SECURITY AND SPACE : A QUASI-HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

  Brief Bio:  Prof. Y S Rajan, an eminent Indian Scientist, is the co-author of the book India 2020 with Dr Abdul Kalam. He has made key contributions to space research, technology and applications since 1964 and continues to be an important expert on space matters. As Scientific Secretary, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), he was responsible for a combination of scientific, technical, administrative, planning, policy and international cooperation matters. His contributions in shaping ISRO from its initial experimental phases into a major service delivery organisation have been remarkable. In the process, he has also been a creator of many institutions and sustainable mechanisms between ISRO and its end-users. He has worked with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA and NASA for about three years. He is also a well recognised authority and thought leader on technology development, business management and society linkages. While holding various positions of responsibility related to science and technology (S&T) between 1988 and 2002, he has shaped key policies and implemented several successful R&D projects with industry participation. He has been responsible for creating a series of documents related to Technology Vision 2020 for India, which culminated in a book on a roadmap for socio-economic development for India called “India Vision 2020”. He has practical ground level experience in developmental issues and has founded and built organizations like Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), which he has led for about two decades. These organizations have helped to bring relevant technologies to improve productivity for the agricultural, manufacturing and service sectors.He has wide international experience and was responsible for a large number of cooperative projects between India and other countries. He has led Indian delegations to United Nations (UN).He is an expert in environmentally sound technologies, satellite meteorology, remote sensing, mapping systems and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) related matters.  He has completed special assignments for UN organizations like UNIDO, WIPO and UNEP.He is also a prolific writer and has written on a variety of subjects, including on science, technology, business, youth, leadership, social and ethical issues.